How do I decide which platform to use for this project?

Which device would be best for me?

Firstly, if you already have one of these devices, don't feel compelled to change for this project. We will be supporting both PocketPCs and Palm OS devices, with the same range of software and medical resources. Other PDA platforms are available but at present these two cover the vast majority of medical users.

Secondly, this is not a life-or-death decision. The useful life of these devices is only 2-3 years so don't try to guess what you will be doing with these devices decades from now.

These comments are particularly directed at participants in the PocketProf Project. However, they may also be useful for others trying to make a similar decision. (See below for other links that provide further commentary on making this decision in other contexts.)

One over-riding point that applies to both platforms is that the device should have the ability to accept a memory expansion card. Medical resources are often quite large and you will soon run out of space with a memory card.

Click on the links for more detail about each point.

Advantages of the PocketPC:

  1. Variety of Input methods
  2. Sound recording and playback
  3. Screen resolution
  4. Better MS Outlook compatibility
  5. Better MS Word & Excel compatibility
  6. Ability to run Palm software as well

Advantages of the Palm/Visor:

  1. Size
  2. Simplicity
  3. Battery life
  4. Infrared beaming is easier
  5. Wider range of other medical programs

Further Information

Of course, this is greatly over-simplified and really only addresses, in a superficial manner, the basics for first-time users. Some readers will undoubtedly perceive these comments as being biased towards the PocketPC platform and I readily admit this personal bias.

As a user and programmer of multiple PDAs since 1987, with experience of a wide range of platforms, long pre-dating the arrival of the Palm (Pilot) and its offspring, I make these comments based on careful analysis of the strengths of many different platforms. But don't get too hung up about it - remember what we said at the top of the page - this is not a life-or-death decision.

There is quite a good article in PC World from February, 2001. There is also a fairly extensive review of Palm tools here - unfortunately the author has no direct experience with PocketPCs so it is a wee bit incomplete but it is medically oriented. There is also a good review from ZDnet here.

You can always go and trawl through some of the newsgroups devoted to these devices- this is one of the most commonly asked questions. However such questions often give rise to heated debate, with "flame wars" between proponents of the various platforms. The discussions also tend to become very technical and less useful to general medical users.

For those who are planning to integrate their devices with the data flow of larger information systems, the situation is somewhat more crucial and complex. We strongly advise you to work closely with your Information Systems people on any such projects - it is clear that PDAs will revolutionise personal data access in the next short while. There are many other issues to consider in such integration and it is very important to communicate early in the planning process.

Page last modified on October 31, 2005